“In an independent Scotland, we can give this guarantee: The era of unelected Tory governments handing out punishment to the poor and the disabled will be gone – and gone for good.”

The speech comes just days after a poll for the Daily Record showed support for independence had dropped from 39 per cent to 37 per cent in the last four weeks.

Salmond will continue his appeal to supporters of other parties by revealing opposition politicians will be invited to join the Team Scotland that negotiates independence with the rest of the UK in the event of a Yes vote.

He will say: “Following a Yes vote on September 18, that work will begin.

PA

Alex Salmond at First Minister's Questions

“An all-party Team Scotland negotiating group, including non-SNP members, will be convened. It will secure expertise from across the political spectrum and beyond. And from Scotland and beyond.

“That group will begin negotiations with Westminster before the end of September. The discussions will be held in accordance with the principles of the Edinburgh Agreement.

“That means with respect and in the interests of everyone in Scotland and the rest of the UK. The campaigning rhetoric will be over. The real work will begin. On March 24, 2016, Scotland will become an independent country and join the international family of nations.”

The pro-UK Better Together campaign said: “Alex Salmond clearly recognises Scots simply don’t believe a word he has to say about separation.

“This is no surprise given he won’t come clean about what would replace the pound or what would happen to schools and hospitals if we left the UK.”